THE PIG AS A PROVIDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3624, 28 August 1923, Page 12

THE PIG AS A PROVIDER.

Many will he surprised, and no doubt interested, to learn that from the pig we derive products that are used in manufacturing medicinal agents, toilet necessities, and leather goods, to sav nothing of animal feeds, fertilising materials and products useful for manufacturing other useful and necessary materials used in the trades and industries. The products made from pig by-products are numerous, and serve an unusually wide range of usefulness Medicinal agents used by our medical men, toilet preparations used by ladies, leather goods used by the men folks, feeds consumed by our live stock •ad poultry, as well as materials used in

the manufacturing industries, all come from the pig and those portions of it that were formerly looked upon as a source of expense rather than as a source of income. The utilisation of these products has been so highly developed that it is truly said now that “the only part of the pig that is wasted is ‘the squeal.’ ” A goodly portion of the pig is made up of meat cuts and lard; the percentage of meat products and lard from the pig will vary from 70 to 80 per cent., with an average of between 72 and 73 per cent. These percentages are all based upon the live weight, and from this you see from to 30 per cent, of the live weight is represented by products often called offal or by-products—an average percentage of 22 to 23 per cent. Approximately one-third of the offal or by-products of the pig, or about 7 per cent, of the live weight, is made use of in the preparation of products other than food products and lard, but this is further reduced through the process of manufacturmg to 5 per cent., or less, of the live weight of the' pig. The products that are made from this 7 per cent, of the live weight of the pig are glycerine, soap, medicines, leathers, etc. There is an actual average loss on the live weight of pigs of approximately 20 per cent, during the packing and curinsr processes. Lard, or the natural fat of the pig, iu one of the most important by-products.’ It is too well known to need any lengthy discussion, for who is there that does not know; the many uses to which lard is put in cooking and baking? Lard is made into other materials, such as lard oil and stearin—lard oil is used for lighting, purposes and as a lubricant, while stearin is used in the manufacture of soft candles and chewing gum. Stearin is also used in salves and ointment for medicinal use, and lard is. also used as a medicinal agent, as benzoinated lard. Several commercial preparations are made from the fat of the nig—oil, pig’s-foot oil, white grease, inedible grease, etc. Tho brains of the pig are very small, and yet they furnish a very delicious meat food, and in America they are packed in

special containers, and find a ready market in all parts of the world; they can be prepared in a large number of ways that are unusually appetising. The tongue is most often pickled, and finds particular favour for making sandwiches. This food product from the pig is really a much-sought-after luxury, and finds ready sale on the market. Figs’ snouts and pigs’ ears contain vast amounts of gelatine, and the feet also, and they find their greatest value when made into gelatine, which is made in the preparation and manufacture of jellies, preserves, and candies, as well as other desserts and sweets. Glue stock is also made from these parts. Pigs’ snouts and ears are relished by many and find a popular use as a part of a boiled dinner. Hearts are pickled as well as prepared in various other ways. Hearts are exceptionally fine when used in sausages. The kidneys are canned and frozen for food purposes; the spleens, or milts, as they are often called, are sold to the Government for use in feeding the growing fish at the fish hatcheries. The livers are used in the manufacture of liver sausage and aJso for ’he manufacture of a neutral fat, which finds its greatest use in the manufacture of oleomargarine. From the lining of the stomach pepsin is made, which is a wellknown medicinal preparation, as well as being used in the manufacturing of chewmg gum. Since pepsin is secured only from the lining of the stomach, the balance of the stomach is used as a container tor sausage, and also for putty.—G. H. Conn, in the Live Stock Journal.